In this episode of What’s Next? with Lacey, Lacey sits down with a friend from London, Maria. Maria is a dentist in England specializing in oral surgery, with a career path that has taken her across the country, into hospitals, and through some of the most competitive programs in her field.

Maria shares how she’s shaped a more “traditional” career path into something uniquely her own, fueled by passion and persistence. From navigating moves and selective opportunities to building a career in a demanding specialty, her story offers inspiration for anyone considering how to make their career fit their life — not the other way around.

(Quick note: the mic had a small glitch during this recording — but Maria’s insights more than make up for it!)